Taking the Santa Monica Blue Bus from LAX and hanging out on Venice beach for the day is like a "Get Out Of Jail Free" card. Well worth the $1.50, even on a coolish March day with no one else around.
For info on how to get away from LAX to the beach, ask at the Traveler's Aid desk in the airport.
 

All photographs ©2003 Maija Graham, all rights reserved.